Otto Porter's Set Play Propel Warriors to Victory over Bulls

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ICARO Media Group
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13/01/2024 22h11

In a thrilling game against the Chicago Bulls, the Golden State Warriors showcased their offensive firepower to seal a win, with a key contribution from Otto Porter Jr.'s set play that ignited Klay Thompson's scoring spree.

While Steph Curry had been experiencing a slightly underwhelming stretch in his career, the Warriors' offense had been consistently strong. Over their last ten games, they ranked 11th in offensive rating, scoring an impressive 121.1 points per game. Against the Bulls, they exploded for 62 points in the first half alone, displaying a staggering 131.9 offensive rating.

However, the defensive end had been a concern for the Warriors in recent games. The Bulls managed to score 75 points in the first half, exposing vulnerabilities in Golden State's defense. Over the past ten games, the Warriors had a subpar defensive rating of 123.3, ranked 27th in the league.

Realizing the need for defensive adjustments, the Warriors came out with renewed determination in the second half. While they managed to improve their defensive performance, limiting the Bulls to 56 points, it was a specific offensive possession that sparked Klay Thompson's dominant second-half performance.

Looking back at the 2022 championship run, Otto Porter Jr. proved to be an invaluable contributor to the Warriors' success. His versatility on both ends of the court made him a perfect fit in the team's schemes. Porter embraced his role, often benefiting from the attention drawn by the team's main offensive stars.

There was one particular play that intrigued Warriors coach Steve Kerr - a set play termed "Indiana" by Gibson Pyper, a notable NBA analyst. In this play, Porter would set a backscreen for Curry, then sprint around a screen set by Kevon Looney. The play exploited Curry's gravity, causing the defense to hesitate and creating open scoring opportunities for Porter.

Fast-forward to the game against the Bulls, Kerr decided to utilize the "Indiana" play again, but this time with Klay Thompson in Porter's role. Curry's influence caused confusion and hesitation in the defense, giving Thompson the necessary space to knock down a crucial shot.

Thompson had a standout performance, scoring 30 points on efficient shooting, showcasing his playmaking abilities and decision-making skills. His threat as a shooter around screens forced the defense to adjust, opening up opportunities for his teammates.

Notably, the rest of the Warriors' wing room also made significant contributions. Andrew Wiggins demonstrated his scoring versatility with 17 points and eight assists, while Jonathan Kuminga impressed with 24 points on efficient shooting.

Although the game highlighted the individual brilliance of Thompson, it was the collective effort of the Warriors' wing players that secured the victory. With rumors of potential asset consolidation swirling, their performance sent a strong message about their value to the team's success.

Ultimately, it was Thompson's ability to thrive in the "Indiana" set play that served as the grand opening and closing of the game. His shot-making prowess continues to be a valuable asset for the Warriors as they strive for greatness in the league.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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